Student life benefits greatly from a smartphone. From taking notes to taking online classes, smartphones have changed the way education is delivered. Beyond calling and texting, smartphones allow connectivity in more than one way.
For students in the creative field, smartphones with a delicate balance between different MP cameras deliver great results. It is no longer just about the pixels of the rear cameras. Mobile phones come with a plethora of features such as Phase Detection Auto Focus and electronic image stabilisation for great shots every time.
School life also means a lot of notes, class videos and other storage-dependent things. Storage is a big necessity for college and school students. Phones with dedicated slots for SD cards help boost memory capacity and make sharing easy.
With so many features packed into these handheld devices, the battery might be the final deciding factor in buying a phone. The latest mobile phones feature fast-charging batteries with support for wireless fast-charging as well. And if you have small devices like wireless earphones, the reverse charging feature of smartphones is a great help.
But there are advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones for students. We will look into that and the trade-offs of getting a mobile phone for students later in this post.
Here are our picks of the best phones for students in 2021!
The Best Phones from Nokia – Cheap Smartphones for Students
Look no further than these smartphones from Nokia for anything under £200. Fitting right into everybody’s budget, these phones are also full of features. The unique design makes these phones stand apart from the rest.
Nokia 5.3: Pure Android Experience
The classic style of the Nokia 5.3 makes it a great choice for the studious student. The no-frills approach to construction and the regular security updates keep you focused and worry-free.
The Nokia 5.3 comes with a dedicated slot for microSDXC, which allows you to expand the memory to suit your needs. You get a smooth experience with its Android One OS, octa-core CPU, and Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 chipset.
Features that make student life easier:
- The mobile supports Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) to allow you to separate school from fun.
- The camera system comes with 13MP wide (with PDAF), 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth lenses.
- With its 3.5mm audio jack port, you can enjoy your wired headphones and listen to your favourite FM radio.
- The mobile is powered by a 4000mAh lithium-polymer battery.
Nokia G20: Up the Style Factor
High school does not have to be boring with the stylish Nokia G20. The modern design comes in Night and Glacier colours that add a touch of glamour to your everyday life. And the phone’s circular quad-camera setup adds to the flare of this device.
The smartphone comes with Android 11 OS and an octa-core CPU for efficient performance. Furthermore, the massive 5050mAh lithium polymer battery delivers the power needs of the device effectively.
Features that make student life easier:
- The camera system comes with 48MP wide (with PDAF), 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth lenses.
- In addition to the accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensors, it also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Shift between two SIM cards with its Dual Nano-SIM feature and enjoy its NFC feature (region dependent).
- The long-lasting battery life and stylish design make this mobile a perfect choice for students.
The Best Phones from OnePlus – Mid-range Phones for Students
These Android phones are stylish and efficient in everything they do. These OnePlus smartphones feature brilliant displays and amazing camera systems for all your videography and photography needs.
OnePlus 8T: Style on a Budget
The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display of the OnePlus 8T is stylish as well as brilliant. Watching your course videos gets much better with its 120Hz refresh rate and crisp FHD+ resolution.
The smartphone also features a quad-camera system that delivers brilliant results with features like PDAF, OIS, Auto HDR, and gyro-EIS. Whether it is taking pictures of the class notes or a fun selfie, this phone delivers it all.
Features that make student life easier:
- Thanks to fast charging, it takes less than 40 minutes to get its 4800mAh lithium polymer battery fully charged,
- Enjoy stable and high-speed 5G connectivity as well as NFC for all your wireless transactions.
- The stylish Gorilla Glass 5 front and back in an aluminium frame create a gorgeous design.
- The under-display optical fingerprint scanner allows quick access to your device.
OnePlus 9: High-Definition Photos
The triple camera setup of the OnePlus 9 captures the best moments of school life in high-definition. The experience is further enhanced by the 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display and powerful stereo speakers.
This smartphone comes with a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 and an octa-core CPU for high performance. Enjoy a lag-free experience on the phone thanks to its 8GB RAM and UFS 3.1.
Features that make student life easier:
- Forget about dust and splash damage with its IP68 dust and water-resistance (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- The triple camera system features a wide 48MP lens with omnidirectional PDAF and an ultra-wide 50MP lens.
- Enjoy vivid colours in your stabilised videos with Hasselblad Colour Calibration and gyro-EIS.
- You can fast charge its 4500mAh lithium polymer battery to 100% in less than 30 minutes.
The Best Phones from Xiaomi – Budget Phones for Students
Xiaomi is yet another rising name in the Android smartphone market. These phones come filled to the brim with exciting features, including 5G connectivity. These picks are another set of great choices for those on a tight budget.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro: Speed Up Your Life
With 4GB RAM and UFS 2.2, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G gives you fast performance. Additionally, you can extend the memory storage using microSD cards with its microSDXC slot, which is shared with the SIM tray.
The phone features Hybrid Dual SIM, NFC, and infrared communication to enhance the connectivity experience. Additionally, the 6.5-inch IPS LCD comes with the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for improved durability of the screen.
Features that make student life easier:
- Thanks to its 5000mAh lithium polymer fast-charging battery, you get to use your device as much as you want.
- The triple camera system includes a 48MP lens with PDAF and allows 4K (30fps) and 1080p (30/60/120fps) videos with gyro-EIS support.
- The MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G chipset with octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU deliver the best performance.
- The smartphone comes with a 3.5mm audio jack port.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: Always Powered Up
The fast-charging 5000mAh battery of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T 5G will ensure your conversations don’t get cut short. The phone comes with 5G connectivity and a hotspot feature to make group projects quick and efficient, through a team effort. And with NFC support, going cashless is easy.
The 13MP secondary camera makes taking selfies and interacting in your online classes a glitch-free experience. The 6.53-inch, 1080 × 2340 pixels IPS LCD also enhances the viewing experience.
Features that make student life easier:
- The triple camera system features a 48MP camera with PDAF along with macro and depth sensor lenses.
- The built-in lithium polymer battery can be fast-charged to 100% in just 30 minutes.
- The smartphone comes with a dedicated microSDXC slot for extended memory.
- Enjoy your favourite FM stations on its stereo speakers.
The Best Phones from Samsung – The Best Phones for High School and College Students
Amongst all the Android smartphones, Samsung smartphones stand out. These phones come with efficient systems that deliver powerful performance. Here are our top picks of the best Samsung phones for students.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Best Smartphone for High School Students
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE hosts an octa-core CPU, 6GB RAM, and the Exynos 990 (7 nm+) chipset to deliver fast, optimal performance. The device comes with 128GB memory, which can be extended with its microSDXC slot.
The beautiful 6.5-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen comes with the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3. And the Always-on display has a 120Hz refresh rate for an awesome viewing experience.
Features that make student life easier:
- Battery life will never be an issue thanks to the fast-charging lithium polymer battery (4500mAh) that additionally supports wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Get quick access to your device and an easy security solution for your apps with the under-display optical fingerprint sensor.
- Take a break and enjoy your music on its ‘tuned by AKG’ stereo speakers.
- The triple camera system features Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3× optical zoom, and gyro-EIS.
- The 32MP secondary camera supports HDR, 4K, and 1080p.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Duos: The Best Smartphone for Medical Students
Medical students and those that need to scribble down their notes will enjoy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Duos. The intelligent S Pen allows you to take advantage of your note-making apps and other creative apps for your studies.
And when it is time to relax with your high-intensity games, the Note 10 Duos will not disappoint. The device comes with 8GB RAM and an Exynos 9825 chipset for powerful performance.
Features that make student life easier:
- Go wire-free when charging, thanks to the fast Qi/PMA wireless charging facility.
- The secondary camera comes with Dual Pixel PDAF, Dual video call, Auto-HDR, and 2160p (30fps) video capabilities.
- Enjoy brilliant audio with Dolby, Atmos/AKG sound stereo speakers and a dedicated mic for active noise cancellation.
- The stainless-steel frame and front and back Gorilla Glass construction have an IP68 dust and water resistance rating (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes).
The Best Phones from Apple – High-end Quality and Design
These iOS flagship phones are a great choice if the price tag is not an issue. Delivering the best of the best features and capabilities, these Apple devices are professional and sophisticated. These smartphones are ideal for transitioning from school to work.
iPhone 12 Mini: Brilliance in a Compact Design
The iPhone 12 Mini features Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) for unmatched performances. This compact device packs a Hexa-core CPU and 4-core graphics Apple GPU to give you flawless performance.
The phone comes with 12MP dual cameras featuring dual pixel PDAF, OIS, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, and HDR. And with Siri, natural language commands and dictation features, college life gets easier.
Features that make student life easier:
- The 12MP secondary camera has an aperture of f/2.2 and features SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor) and HDR.
- The built-in lithium-ion battery can be fast-charged using Qi wireless chargers.
- The Super Retina XDR OLED display comes with scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating to protect against smudges.
- The phone supports NFC and Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified).
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Maximise on Comfort
With the iPhone 12 Pro Max, enjoy 5G connectivity for reliable and fast communications. The stylish design and sophisticated colour choices leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the Gorilla Glass front and back with the stainless-steel frame ensure it handles everyday usage well.
This iPhone comes with a 12MP triple camera system for the fun and lighter moments in between your studies. The secondary camera also offers great image quality and supports the Face ID feature.
Features that make student life easier:
- The IP68 dust and water-resistance (up to 6m for 30 mins) rating make this phone durable.
- With the Qi wireless fast charging capability, the built-in 3687mAh battery will keep your device powered longer.
- The Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified) support lets you enjoy cashless experiences.
- The camera system features dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS, 2.5× optical zoom, and a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner.
The Best of iOS and Android Smartphones
When you want an all-rounder smartphone that fits within a tight budget of £500, then these are for you. We have picked our favourite Android and iOS phones that serve as the best smartphones for students.
Google Pixel 4A: The Best Android Phone for Students
The Google Pixel 4A is our pick for the best Android phone for its regular software updates and good battery life. This phone weighs a minimal 143g and has a compact and durable design for easy usage.
The phone comes with a 12.2MP that delivers beautiful photos with its dual pixel PDAF and OIS features. With Auto-HDR and gyro-EIS features, you get brilliant 4K (30fps) and 1080p (30/60/120fps) videos.
Features that make student life easier:
- The Pixel 4A features a fast-charging built-in 3140mAh battery for all its power needs.
- The OLED capacitive touchscreen delivers brilliant 16M colours and comes with the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- The smartphone supports Nano-SIM cards and eSIM.
- Experience great performance with Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, Android 11 OS and 6GB RAM.
iPhone SE 2020:The Best iOS Phone for Students
The iPhone SE 2020 comes with the Apple A13 Bionic chipset and Hexa-core CPU to deliver performance on par with its competitors. The stylish glass construction creates a look of sophistication that matches its efficiency.
The mobile comes with Retina IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with ion-strengthened glass and an oleophobic coating for durability. It also features stereo speakers and a dedicated mic for active noise cancellation to give brilliant audio quality.
Features that make student life easier:
- The smartphone has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating to handle minor everyday accidents.
- The camera system features PDAF, OIS, HDR, stereo sound recording and gyro-EIS.
- The built-in battery supports fast charging and can be charged with a Qi wireless charger.
- The iPhone supports FaceID and Siri natural language commands and dictation.
Students and Mobile Phones: Disadvantages & Benefits of Smartphones for Students
It has become uncommon to find a student without a mobile phone these days. These gadgets have become a vital part of education and learning. But the negative effects of mobile phones on students is a rising concern.
Finding a student on their phone, on their social media, or diverting their attention from the class is a popular concern of many teachers. While handy, these devices are known to consume the minds of young children and even older ones.
The addictive nature of the host of available apps, and the quick release of serotonin they allow, diminish the potential of many bright minds. The reduction in attention spans obstructs their ability to stay focused.
Student smartphone usage is also linked with a disrupted sleep cycle. The blue light emitted from the screen can confuse the mind, which, in turn, results in poor sleep. Spending long hours in front of a tiny screen not only strains the eyes but causes fatigue and headaches, amongst other issues.
If proper parental controls are not maintained, the online safety of young children could also be threatened.
But this smart little gadget is not as purely evil as it sounds.
With online learning and classrooms, smartphones make it easy to learn anywhere, anytime. This facility means accessibility to education regardless of where you are. This has also allowed many full-time workers and professionals to follow their ambitions.
A smartphone also helps you stay organised and use your time effectively with the right applications. Busy schedules may mean very little time for fun and relaxation, which can be taken care of by this gadget.
For college and university students, smartphones can help with note-taking and other ways to store information without missing out on a lecture. The ability to connect online is also a great advantage when it comes to team projects.
Smarter School Life
In your busy school and college life, a few bumps and slips are expected. It is always a great idea to invest in phone covers or practical protective cases that enhance usability whilst protecting your smartphone. They also allow you to bring your personality and style to the foreground.
Another important protective accessory is the screen protector. We highly recommend getting one to keep the much-used surface smudge-free and protected from scratches and cracks.
A busy lifestyle also exposes you to a lot of germs and bacteria. And if you have read the research, you will know mobile phones harbour a lot of germs. Make sure you use appropriate cleaning methods and cleaning products to maintain hygiene and good health.
Are you looking for more ways to enhance your school life? Get in touch with us, and we will help you sail smoothly through school!